Research & outreach

Areas of research

The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources is fully committed to the aspiration of the University to be a premier research institution. Research teams of students, postdoctoral associates and faculty aim to address scientific challenges, stimulate innovation and enhance the transfer of knowledge to industry.

A woman in a green jacket gently holds a white sheep in a farm area with fences and trees behind her.

Livestock & domestic animals

Researching topics from basic molecular biology aspects of genetics, genomics and physiology to applied aspects of breeding and genetics, nutrition, meat science and processing, growth, heat and cold stress, production and management strategies.

biotech students

Biotech-based science

Applying science toward the improvement of society by capitalizing on genetic engineering techniques used to design new proteins, improve stress tolerance in plants and investigate disease mechanisms. 

meat industry

Economic development

Creating tools and performing analyses to address clearly defined development problems in Nevada and the West.

mercury sampling

Environmental science

Studying fundamental environmental processes, stressors on environmental systems and their effects on human health.

alfalfa trials

Food & forage crops

Innovating the way food is grown, processed and distributed to meet and sustain the growing global demand for food.

forestry

Forest & woodlands

Investigating ecology, silvicultureclimate change, stand dynamics, drought, wildfire history, plant invasions, plant-herbivore interactions and fuels management.

dietetic clinic

Human health & wellbeing

Addressing diet and nutrition, food insecurity, cancer prevention, obesity, cardiovascular health, disease transmission and early childhood development.

mercury sampling

Natural resources

Providing solutions for complex local, regional, national and global issues related to the management of natural resources, including environmental stressors, land use, remote sensing, wildlife fuels, water use, groundwater, snowpack and wildlife management.

range fire

Rangeland management

Providing information on issues related to water, wildlife habitat, livestock forage, recreation, open space, conservation of natural areas and the stewardship of rangeland resources in Nevada.

carson river

Water resources & quality

Investigating water issues including in agriculture, climate and sustainability, and seeking new approaches to address current and emerging challenges to provide smarter water management to Nevada's stakeholders.

elko capture

Wildlife management & ecology

Focusing on the management of game animals and carnivores, demographics, habitat requirements, community and landscape ecology to bridge the gap between basic and applied wildlife science.